Family frustrated with oldest case on the docket

theday.com

The victims in the oldest case on the docket in the New London major crimes court have run out of patience with the judicial system.

Richard K. Wallace, 59, was charged in August 2007 with first-degree larceny. State police said he stole more than $125,000 from Dorothy DiNallo of Sprague, a friend with whom he was living. Wallace, who is free on a $150,000 bond and is represented by attorney Donald R. Beebe, has made 64 court appearances over the past five years. At one point, it appeared that Wallace was going to repay the money, but that has not occurred.

On Tuesday, DiNallo's daughter Candace DiNallo submitted a letter to the court outlining the family's concerns and demanding an investigation into the way the case has been handled.

"There is years of miscommunication, no communication, false information and time is running out," the letter says. Because of a mortgage that Wallace took out after he was given power of attorney to handle Dorothy DiNallo's finances, DiNallo lost her home, for which she had paid cash, and she and her daughter were left homeless, the letter says.

Candace DiNallo suffers from bipolar disorder and has contacted the state Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities.

Judge Patrick J. Clifford, who has been presiding over the court since September 2010, read the letter on the bench. He said it appeared there was potential to resolve the case with Wallace making restitution. He said some money had been paid but that it appeared the parties would not be able to work out an agreement.

"It sounds like, right now, there is going to have to be a trial," Clifford said.

He continued the case to June 19 after noting that Beebe said he intends to hire a forensic accountant to review the figures.

k.florin@theday.com

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